Full boat? Fold
I remember reading somewhere (probably ATL, maybe here) about a newly minted associate asking what sort of car he should buy so that he could roll into his firm's garage looking 1) professional enough to avoid the "he drives THAT?!?" commentative end of the automotive spectrum, but 2) modest enough to avoid the cocky/radical/crusty-old-partner-thinks-its-too-flashy end. I remember musing to myself, "I will never compromise my taste in cars for a job", accompanied with the haughtiest of laughter. As it turns out, I haven't changed, and my first non-frugal splurge post-graduation will prove it (it'll be a 69' Mach 1 (is it a coincidence that the tinyurl path I got was "yakcky"?)).
Anyway, I don't think my resolve extends to poker. The most recent ABL PHT talks about a potential showdown between an associate-poker-stud and junior partner-poker-host. The general consensus seems to be that the bruise to rapport isn't worth the potential take. I agree... in any sport, people take pride in their performance, especially if they consider themselves above average. Even though the junior partner may not wield a particular amount of power currently, by the time your consideration for partner comes up, his bitterness (subconscious or not) may have swayed others against you. 90% is a tough number to get to, and egos are fragile.
The best strategy (as a commenter noted) would be to rake in against the other players, but throw the game to the partner if you meet head-to-head. This can be applied to other contests as well, so long as your loss seems genuine. So would you fold the nuts or take him for all he's worth?
Anyway, I don't think my resolve extends to poker. The most recent ABL PHT talks about a potential showdown between an associate-poker-stud and junior partner-poker-host. The general consensus seems to be that the bruise to rapport isn't worth the potential take. I agree... in any sport, people take pride in their performance, especially if they consider themselves above average. Even though the junior partner may not wield a particular amount of power currently, by the time your consideration for partner comes up, his bitterness (subconscious or not) may have swayed others against you. 90% is a tough number to get to, and egos are fragile.
The best strategy (as a commenter noted) would be to rake in against the other players, but throw the game to the partner if you meet head-to-head. This can be applied to other contests as well, so long as your loss seems genuine. So would you fold the nuts or take him for all he's worth?
posted by Toney at 8:17 PM
15 Comments:
Toney,
Is this your subtle attempt to tell the BTLJ 2Ls that they should have folded instead of dominating the 3Ls at flipcup?
Play the full boat, if you're lucky he'll have the quads anyway.
... and who apologizes for farting?
Maybe in an interview or something... maybe.
Nice choice of rides - your stock is up in my book.
But seriously, the car question is a tough one. I'd love to buy a[nother] mustang (of any vintage) because I consider it a good compromise of fun and cost. However, I can't deny a nagging fear of potential negative perceptions- both partners and clients alike (SV is a market that actually has times where clients end up riding in a junior associate's car).
But I do draw the line before buying a Toyota/Lexus or a Honda/Acura. No point in actually chopping off the balls by buying a boring ass appliance.
If you're over 24 and don't want to look like a tool, you shouldn't be driving a Mustang unless it's a first generation.
Classic or not, that's one ugly car.
I think I'd be impressed if an underling took me down in poker. But then again, I'm not a partner at a law firm.
It's definitely a tough call, but I don't think I would ever fold if I thought I could win the hand. The Doyle would not look favorably upon me.
What in the world is wrong with having a boring car? I drive a used Corolla because it's a nice combination of affordable, reliable, and fairly environmentally friendly (no hybrid battery), and I love it. If you really think I'm "chopping off the balls" with my Toyota, you have some insecurity issues.
There's nothing wrong with having a boring car. No more than someone who wears clothes from Goodwill (me). Some people have particular tastes in differing aspects of their lives, whether it be music, movies, clothing, or cars.
I think TJ's point was that if you have a particular taste in cars, you don't want to have someone else tell you what you should and shouldn't drive in order to blend into the crowd.
FWIW, I drive a really tiny Acura.
Dan - I suppose you'd have to size up whoever you were playing against. If they had an overwhelming sense of self-importance, and took particular pride in their poker skills, would you still do it? Even knowing they would hold a grudge?
"Uh no no, you win again. You have the uh Royal Sampler."
I just can't see myself folding. It's like you know when you have thought of a joke that relates to a particular situation and, even if it's not funny or uncouth, you can't not tell it? (Ok, maybe that only happens to me.)
I think logically it would be a good idea to fold the hand or keep my mouth shut on the joke, but in practice I can't see myself having that much self-control.
Thank you for reminding me why I never considered applying at a big firm. Why should I even have to think about some other person's perception of my car, my clothes or my success at poker. (Although with me, it would be failure at poker)
I once had a partner tell me (with a group of other summer associates) that there were two options a 1st year associate had in purchasing a new car: (1) a BMW 328i sedan or (2) a Toyota Prius. He found fault with any other selection.
Full Boalt? Fold = Funny Post? FAIL.
Toney, you're like a child who wanders in and out of the conversation. TJ, you have no balls. '93 Alum, get a life.
Anonymous, I like all of you.
Nice story you got here. I'd like to read something more about that theme.
By the way check the design I've made myself Companionship in London
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